Systems and methods for preloading a bearing and installing a tamper indicating member

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for use in connecting a cover member to a retaining member coupled to a nut mounted to a shaft includes a body portion, arms, and a plurality of pressing members. The arms extend from the body portion relative to the nut such that contacting portions of the arms contact a rear side of the nut to connect the body portion to the nut. The plurality of pressing members extend from the body portion and is alignable with the plurality of tabs of a cover member when the cover member is located between the body and the nut. The body portion includes a press mechanism configured to cause a first pressing member of the pressing members to contact a first tab of the cover member to deform the first tab toward a retaining member coupled to the nut mounted on the shaft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application relates to U.S. Ser. No. 14/455,143 filed on Aug. 8,2014, titled “Systems And Methods For Preloading A Bearing And AligningA Lock Nut”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/970,795, filed on Mar. 26, 2014, titled “SystemsAnd Methods For Preloading A Bearing And Aligning A Lock Nut”, theentire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to U.S. Ser. No. 11/029,521, filed on Jan. 5,2005, titled “Lock Nut System” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,367 issued Dec.4, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

This application relates to U.S. Ser. No. 11/738,041, filed on Apr. 20,2007, titled “Lock Nut System” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,625,164 issued Dec.1, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/341,948, filedon Jan. 27, 2006, titled “Method And Apparatus For Preloading ABearing,” U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,135 issued Jul. 14, 2009, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/354,513, filedFeb. 15, 2006, and titled “Method, Apparatus, And Nut For Preloading ABearing”, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,579 on Jun. 24, 2008, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/492,826, filedJun. 26, 2009, and titled “Systems And Methods For Preloading A BearingAnd Aligning A Lock Nut”, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,530 on Nov. 27,2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/071,570, filedMar. 16, 2016, and titled “Systems And Methods For Preloading A BearingAnd Aligning A Lock Nut”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/071,584, filedMar. 16, 2016, and titled “Systems And Methods For Preloading ABearing”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

This application relates to U.S. Design Application No. 29/558,261,filed Mar. 16, 2016, and titled “Retaining Ring Pliers”, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/071,753, filedMar. 16, 2016, and titled “Systems And Methods For Preloading ABearing”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, generally, to methods and apparatus forpreloading antifriction bearings in drive trains, particularly, topreloading and adjusting bearings while monitoring the preload beingapplied.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various means have been devised to simplify the adjustment of axlebearings, specifically, truck axle bearings. It is generally acceptedthat in some bearing installations, for example, axle bearings, the lifeof the bearing will be optimized if the adjustment is made for a slightaxial compressive deflection, for example, about 0.003 inches (wherethis amount is the compressive deflection of the two bearings combined),which is often referred to as “a three thousandths preload.” Typicalprior art methods of creating these preloads are obtained by applyingspecified torques to the bearing assembly, for example, by tighteningthe nut that retains the bearings. However, for several reasons, it istypically extremely difficult to achieve such preload settings underactual in-field conditions, such as in a mechanic shop. For example, theassembly of a heavy truck wheel onto a wheel hub assembly is arelatively cumbersome procedure that hinders the mechanic. Moreover, thewheel hub assembly always includes at least one inner seal, usually alip type of seal, which can impose a resistive drag torque component tothe preload torque, particularly when the seal is new.

Lock nut systems are often utilized to retain a wheel or hub assembly,including axle bearings, on a shaft. Such lock nut systems may beconnected to a shaft and inhibit rotation of a retaining nut relative tosuch shafts. For example, such systems are often utilized on motorvehicles, such as axles and wheel ends. Typically, a lock nut will beengageable with a locking member or keeper which inhibits movement ofthe nut relative to the shaft. The locking member may include aprotruding portion which extends into a slot or receiving portion of ashaft. The locking member may also engage the nut such that there islittle or no movement between the nut and shaft.

It is important that teeth of a locking member engage teeth of the locknut such that the locking member is positioned to allow it to engage aslot of the shaft. The nut must be aligned to allow such engagement byselective rotation of the nut to a particular position such that theteeth of the nut and the teeth of the locking member when engaged allowan engaging portion of the locking member to engage a slot of the shaft.Rotation of the nut may be performed during the preloading of a bearingand the degree of rotation allowed may depend on the amount ofcompressive force applied to a bearing or hub during the preloading ofthe bearing and the method of application of such force.

Once an adjustment has been made to axle bearings to maximize the lifeof such bearings it is important to maintain the adjustment made.Further, it is desirable to ascertain from a visual inspection whetherthe adjustment has been altered without the need for actual measurementof a bearing's preload. The ability to maintain a proper preload and toverify that no additional adjustment has been made allows an originalequipment manufacturer (i.e., OEM), such as an auto manufacturer, toprovide a warranty on bearing systems which have not been adjusted afterthey have left the factory.

Thus, a need exists for providing accurate and repeatable procedures anddevices for providing and adjusting bearing preload and for adjustinglock nut systems configured to retain preloaded bearings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in a first aspect, an apparatus for usein connecting a cover member to a retaining member coupled to a nutmounted to a shaft includes a body portion, arms, and a plurality ofpressing members. The arms extend from the body portion relative to thenut such that contacting portions of the arms contact a rear side of thenut to connect the body portion to the nut. The plurality of pressingmembers extend from the body portion and is alignable with the pluralityof tabs of a cover member when the cover member is located between thebody and the nut. The body portion includes a press mechanism configuredto cause a first pressing member of the pressing members to contact afirst tab of the cover member to deform the first tab toward a retainingmember coupled to the nut mounted on the shaft.

The present invention provides, in a second aspect, a method for use inproviding a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft includes engaging akeeper with a nut mounted on shaft to inhibit movement of the keeperrelative to the nut. A retaining member connected to a keeper is engagedwith the nut to hold the keeper engaged with the nut. Arms are extendedfrom a body portion of a tool and relative to the nut mounted on theshaft such that contacting portions of the arms contact a rear side ofthe nut to connect the tool to the nut. A first pressing member of aplurality of pressing members of the tool is aligned with a first tab ofa plurality of tabs of a tamper indicating member when the tamperindicating member is located between the body and the nut.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, andadvantages of the invention will be readily understood from thefollowing detailed description of aspects of the invention taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective exploded view of a wheel hub assembly engaging abearing preload apparatus according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view, partially in cross section, ofthe assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a lock nut system which includes a lock nuthaving a keeper and keeper retaining member engaged with the nut;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the keeper retaining member of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 depicts a front elevational view of a cover member usable withthe retaining member, keeper and lock nut as depicted in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lock nut system of FIG. 3 with thecover member of FIG. 6 located adjacent the keeper retaining member;

FIG. 8 depicts a top plan view of the lock nut system of FIG. 7 withtabs of the cover member connected the retaining member;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a retaining nut in accordance with anaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side partial cross-sectional view of the retaining nut ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an installation tool in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tool of FIG. 11 with arms thereofclosed to connect to a nut;

FIG. 13 is a close up side elevational view of a portion of the tool ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the tool of FIG. 13 with legsextending therefrom;

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 15 with legsextending therefrom;

FIG. 17 is a close-up side elevational view of the tool of FIG. 11 shownadjacent to the nut of FIG. 10;

FIG. 18 is a side close-up elevational view of the tool of FIG. 17 witharms of the tool connected to the nut;

FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of another example of a tool inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 19 with legsextending therefrom;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the cover member and retaining memberof FIG. 7 contacting each other and aligned circumferentially;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an end of the tool FIG. 11 alongwith the retaining member and cover member of FIG. 7 prior to engagementof the tool therewith;

FIG. 23 depicts the tool, retaining member and cover member of FIG. 22with the tool engaged therewith;

FIG. 24 is an end view of the tool of FIG. 11;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the tool, retaining member, and covermember of FIG. 23 after legs of the tool deform tabs of the covermember; and

FIG. 26 depicts the cover member and retaining member of FIG. 25 withthe tool emitted ease of illustration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principals of the present invention, system andmethods for adjusting bearings mounted on a shaft and aligning lock nutsfor retaining such bearings are provided.

In an exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-2, a wheel hub assembly10 engages a bearing preload apparatus 20, as disclosed in co-owned U.S.Pat. No. 8,316,530 issued on Nov. 27, 2012 titled “Systems And MethodsFor Preloading A Bearing And Aligning A Lock Nut”, incorporated hereinby reference. A section of the hardware has been removed to reveal innerstructure to facilitate disclosure of the invention. For the sake ofillustration, the wheel assembly that would typically be mounted towheel hub assembly 10 is omitted in these figures.

Wheel hub assembly 10 is an assembly that would typically be found on afront or rear axle of a cab or tractor of a tractor-trailer, or an axleof a trailer. However, aspects of the invention are not limited to usefor vehicle bearings. As will generally be understood by those skilledin the art, aspects of the invention may be used to service bearings andbearing assemblies in any machine or device that employs bearings,including, but not limited to: power trains, transmissions, machinecomponents, on and off-road vehicles, aircraft wheels, marine drives,spacecraft, conveyor rolls, and windmills, among others. According toaspects of the present invention, preload apparatus 20 may be used inthese and any other assembly for which bearing preload and/or endplay isdesired, for example, any assembly that utilizes thrust and radial loadcarrying bearings that are indirectly mounted.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, for example, wheel hub assembly 10 includes awheel hub or, simply, a hub 12, a threaded shaft, axle, or spindle 14.As is typical, spindle 14 is mounted on two antifriction bearings andspindle 14 includes an exposed end 13, which is typically threaded.Spindle 14 typically includes a retaining nut 11 threaded to exposed end13.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, as is typical of bearings, outboard bearing 16includes an inner race (or cone) (not shown), an outer race (or cup)(not shown), a plurality of rollers (not shown), and a roller cage (notshown). Similarly, an inboard bearing (not shown) includes an inner race(or cone) (not shown), an outer race (or cup) (not shown), a pluralityof rollers (not shown), and roller cage (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2,outboard bearing 16 is positioned, for example, by an interference fit,into an annular cavity 29. The details of an inboard bearing and anoutboard bearing are described and depicted in co-owned U.S. Pat. No.7,303,367, issued Dec. 4, 2007 (application Ser. No. 11/029,531 filedJan. 5, 2005), entitled “Lock Nut System”; U.S. Publication No.2007/0177829A1, published Aug. 2, 2007, (application Ser. No. 11/341,948filed Jan. 27, 2006), entitled “Method And Apparatus For Preloading ABearing”; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,579, issued Jun. 24, 2008 (applicationSer. No. 11/354,513, filed Feb. 15, 2006), entitled “Method, Apparatus,And Nut For Preloading A Bearing”, the entirety of which areincorporated herein by reference.

As depicted in FIGS. 3, 4, 7, 9, and 10, for example, retaining nut 11may be a locking nut as disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,367(application Ser. No. 11/029,531 filed Jan. 5, 2005), entitled “Lock NutSystem”; U.S. Publication No. 2007/0177829A1 (application Ser. No.11/341,948 filed Jan. 27, 2006), entitled “Method And Apparatus ForPreloading A Bearing”; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,579 (application Ser. No.11/354,513, filed Feb. 15, 2006), entitled “Method, Apparatus, And NutFor Preloading A Bearing”. In the conventional art, retaining nut 11typically is used to secure a wheel (not shown) or hub assembly to anon-rotating axle or spindle 14. However, in aspects of the presentinvention, retaining nut 11 may be useful in varying the preload and/orendplay of bearing 16. Though bearing 16 is illustrated as a taperedroller bearing, aspects of the invention may be applied to other typesof antifriction bearings for which it is desirable to provide preloadand/or endplay, for example, spherical roller bearings, deep groove ballbearings, and the like.

Nut 11 may include a plurality of engaging teeth 511 extendingcircumferentially around an inner radial surface of nut 11 as depictedin FIG. 3, for example. For example, nut 11 may include 60 engagingteeth. Nut 11 may also include a shoulder 524 configured to receive akeeper 530. For example, shoulder 524 may be spaced from an outersurface 522 of nut 11 in an axial direction relative to nut 11 such thatan axial dimension of keeper 530 relative to nut 11 is received betweenouter surface 522 and shoulder 524. Shoulder 524 may also abut andsupport keeper 530 in an axial direction. Nut 11 may be molded or formedof powdered metal, for example.

As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, a keeper 530 is engageable with retainingnut 11 and is connected to a keeper retaining member 540. A projection535 of keeper 530 extends through an opening 545 in retaining member 540when connected, for example, as described in co-owned U.S. Ser. No.14/455,143 filed on Aug. 8, 2014, titled “Systems And Methods ForPreloading A Bearing And Aligning A Lock Nut”. Keeper 530 and retainingmember 540 engage retaining nut 11. For example, keeper 530 includeskeeper teeth 520 which are configured to engage engaging teeth 511 ofretaining nut 11. Keeper 530 may also include an engaging member 534which protrudes radially inwardly relative to retaining nut 11 to engagea shaft slot 5 (FIG. 2), keyway, groove or other engaging portion of ashaft (e.g., spindle 14). Thus, engaging member 534 may inhibit movementof keeper 530 relative to a shaft (e.g., spindle 14) and the engagementof engaging teeth 511 with keeper teeth 520 may inhibit movement ofkeeper 530 relative to retaining nut 11. Accordingly, movement ofretaining nut 11 relative to the shaft is prevented or reduced. Keeper530 and/or nut 11 may be molded or formed of powdered metal, forexample.

Keeper retaining member 540 (FIGS. 3-5) may engage a slot 561 ofretaining nut 11. For example, slot 561 may extend circumferentially(e.g., completely or partially) around nut 11. Slot 60 may be locatedbetween engaging teeth 120 and outer surface 522 of nut 11. Also, slot60 may have a radial depth of about 0.0 inches. A first leg 542 and asecond leg 543 may be received in slot 561. For example, slot 561 mayhave a radial depth of about 0.050 inches. Further, a nose 544 ofretaining member 540 may be received in slot 561. Retaining member 540when received in slot 561 may align keeper 530 such that keeper teeth520 are engaged with engaging teeth 511. Further, retaining member 540provides resistance in an axial direction relative to retaining nut 11thereby inhibiting movement of keeper 530 axially away from a shoulder524 toward an outer surface 522. One example of such a tool is disclosedin co-owned U.S. Design application No. 29/558,261 filed Mar. 16, 2016entitled “Systems And Methods For Preloading A Bearing”.

Retaining member 540 (FIGS. 3-5) may be elastically deformable to allowit to be received in slot 561. For example, first leg 542 and second leg543 may be deformed (e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular tothe axis of retaining nut 11) toward one another prior to being insertedaxially past outer surface 522 of retaining nut 11 to allow retainingmember 540, and keeper 530 to be attached thereto. First leg 542 andsecond leg 543 may then be elastically returned toward slot 561. A usermay move the legs (i.e., first leg 542 and second leg 543) toward oneanother as described above to allow the retaining member to be receivedin slot 561. In one example, a user may use a tool (e.g., a tool madefor this specific purpose or a type of pliers such as needle nosepliers) which is inserted into openings 611 and 612 (FIG. 5) to allowthe tool to grip the legs to move ends 610 toward one another therebyallowing the legs to be inserted into slot 561.

Also, first leg 542 may include a protruding portion 560 which protrudesradially relative to a rounded portion 565 of retaining member 540.Similarly, second leg 543 may include a protruding portion 562.Protruding portion 560 and protruding portion 565 may extend into slot561 to engage retaining member 540 with slot 561. Further, protrudingportion 560 may include a groove 566 and protruding portion 562 mayinclude a groove 567 as depicted in FIG. 5 for example.

A cover member (e.g., a tamper evident plate), such as a cover plate 750(FIGS. 6-8), may be installed after retaining member 540 is engaged withnut 11 as described above, and the cover plate may inhibit access to theretaining member due to the connection between cover plate 750 andretaining member 540, such that any removal of the cover plate damagesor deforms cover plate 750. Retaining member 540 may also includenotches 600 on opposite sides of keeper 530 and spaced from ends 610 ofretaining member 540 with the notches configured (e.g., shaped anddimensioned) to receive tabs 720 of cover member or cover plate 750 asdepicted in FIGS. 5-8.

In particular, cover plate 750 is configured (e.g., shaped, dimensionedand formed of a material) such that a user could not remove the coverplate from the retaining member (and reinstall it) without it beingevident upon a visual inspection that the system had been tampered with,i.e., the cover plate had been removed and reapplied. The damage to thecover plate would therefore provide an indication via visual inspectionthat retaining member 540 was accessed and nut 11 may have beenadjusted, thereby adjusting a preload of the bearing. This indication oftampering (i.e., indication of damage to cover plate 750) allows aseller or manufacturer of wheel bearing systems, such as an OEM ofvehicle or car parts, to provide a warranty on bearing systems utilizingthe described cover plate since it would be evident upon visualinspection that a nut (e.g., nut 11) holding a wheel bearing may havebeen tampered with due to the condition of the cover plate. The covermember or cover plate 750 may be of a variety of shapes and sizes, butpreferably covers at least a portion of a retaining member (e.g.,retaining member 540).

Tabs 720 of cover plate 750 may be L-shaped having radial extendingportions 722 and circumferential portions 724 connected thereto, asdepicted in FIGS. 6 and 7. Radial extending portions 722 may beconnected to a remainder 725 of cover plate 750, and spaces 658 mayseparate radial extending portions 722 and circumferential portions 724from remainder 725. Each of tabs 720 may be rotated toward nut 11 aboutone of points 759 connecting each of radial extending portions 722 toremainder 725. FIG. 8 depicts cover plate 750 and tabs 720 after thetabs are rotated about 90° toward nut 11.

Radial extending portions 722 (FIG. 6) may be received in notches 600(FIG. 5) of retaining member 540 while circumferential extendingportions 724 may be located on an opposite side of retaining member 540relative to a remainder 656 of cover plate 750 such that ends 723 ofcircumferential extending portions 724 extend circumferentially outsidenotches 600 thereby inhibiting movement of the tabs through the notchesin a direction away from nut 11. As described above, the extension ofthe circumferential portion outside the notch may inhibit separation ofthe retaining member from the cover plate (i.e., due to contact ofcircumferential extending portions 724 with retaining member 540)thereby providing a visible indication when such separation isattempted, and tabs 720 are thereby deformed or damaged.

FIG. 11-20 depicts an installation tool 900 having arms 910 pivotableabout pins 920 attached to a flange 925 of a body portion 930. Arms 910may have projecting portions 940 with inner surfaces 935 curved tocorrespond to a curved surface 525 of nut 11 adjacent a second end 526of nut 11 located at an opposite extent of nut 11 relative to outersurface 522. As depicted in FIGS. 12 and 18, arms 910 may connect to nut11 via such arms engaging curved surface 525 adjacent second end 526.

Arms 910 may be biased by resilient members 945 (e.g., springs), suchthat the arms remain in an open position as depicted in FIGS. 11 and 17.As depicted in FIG. 12, a sleeve 950 co-axial to body portion 930 may bemoved laterally toward nut 11 as compared to FIG. 11 such that an end951 of sleeve 950 abuts a proximal end 911 of each of arms 910 to causeend 911 to move radially away from an axis of body portion 930 to causeinner surfaces 935 to engage curved surface 525 (FIG. 17). End 951 ofsleeve 950 may include ramped recessed portions 955 and end 911 mayinclude an inner curved portion 912 to facilitate engagement of end 911and recessed portions 955 to allow movement of end 911 graduallyradially outwardly and thus projecting portions 940 radially inwardly toengage nut 11 as depicted in FIGS. 12 and 18. Also, FIGS. 13-16 depictarms 910 in a closed, engaging position without nut 11 being present.

As indicated above, arms 910 may be biased in an open position, and asdepicted in FIGS. 11 and 17 tool 900 may be located to be coupled to nut11 such that arms 900 laterally bypass nut 11 until sleeve 950 is movedaxially relative to a remainder (e.g., body portion 930) of tool 900 tomove arms 910 to engage projections 940 with curved surface 525 toconnect tool 900 to nut 11.

Prior to connecting tool 900 to nut 11, cover plate 750 may be coupledto tool 900 via aligning posts 1110 (FIG. 13) extending from bodyportion 930, for example. In particular, posts 1110 may be received inopenings 711 and 712 of cover plate 750 (FIG. 6) prior to an engagementof tool 900 with nut 11. Posts 1110 may be configured (e.g., spaced,dimensioned and shaped) to extend through openings 711 and 712 of coverplate 750 and openings 611 and 612 of retaining member 540 (FIG. 5) whentool 900 is connected to nut 11. FIG. 21 depicts cover plate 750contacting retaining member 540 and aligned circumferentially such thatopenings 611 and 612 of retaining member 540 are aligned with openings711 and 712 of cover plater 750 in the same manner as if posts 1110 werereceived in the openings with nut 11 and tool 900 omitted for ease ofillustration.

FIG. 22 depicts an underside of retaining member 540 and cover plate 750adjacent installation tool 900 with coverplate 750 contacting andaligned with retaining member 540 as in FIG. 21 prior to posts 1110 oftool 900 extending through openings 611 and 612 with nut 11 not shownfor the purpose of clarity. As depicted, openings 711 and 712 areaxially aligned with openings 611 and 612 and posts 1110 are alignedwith openings 711 and 712 and openings 611 and 612. By receiving theposts in openings 711 and 712, legs 710 of tool 900 may be aligned withtabs 720 of cover plate 750 to allow the legs to contact and deform tabs720 toward nut 11 to connect cover plate 750 to retaining member 540.FIG. 23 depicts posts 1110 received in openings 611 and 612 and openings711 and 712. Arms 910 are in a closed, engaging position as in FIGS.13-16 to connect nut 11 (not shown in FIG. 23) to tool 900.

Legs 710 of installation tool 900 may be circumferentially spacedpressing members (e.g., four such members) extending axially from acircumferential base 705 of body portion 930, as depicted in FIGS. 13,22 and 24, for example. Each leg 702 of legs 710 may include an axialmember 760 having a curved portion 755 as depicted in FIG. 22, forexample. Axial member 760 may extend axially outwardly from base 705while curved portion 755 may extend from a lower side adjacent retainingmember 540 to an upper side adjacent body portion 930 as depicted inFIG. 22, for example.

Axial member 760 may be configured (e.g., shaped and dimensioned) to bereceived in an opening 624 created in cover plate 650 and one of notches600 of retaining member 540 when each leg 702 contacts each of tabs 720to deform the tab toward the retaining member (e.g., retaining member540) and toward a nut (e.g., nut 11) as depicted in FIG. 25, forexample.

FIG. 25 depicts installation tool 900, retaining member 540 and coverplate 750 with ends 709 of legs 710 of the installation tool pushedaxially past an outside axial surface of cover plate 750 and retainingmember 540 after having bent tabs 720 about 90 degrees. FIG. 26 depictsthe cover plate connected to the retaining member after removal of theinstallation tool, with nut 11 omitted for ease of illustration. Asindicated above, FIG. 8 depicts cover plate 750 connected to retainingmember 540, which is engaged in the groove of nut 11.

After legs 710 deform tabs 720, radial extending portion 722 may bereceived in notches 600 of retaining member 540 while circumferentialextending portions 724 may be located on an opposite side of retainingmember 540 relative to remainder 656 of cover plate 650 such that ends723 of circumferential extending portions 724 extend circumferentiallyoutside notches 600 thereby inhibiting movement of the tabs through thenotches in a direction away from nut 11. The extension of thecircumferential portion outside the notch may inhibit separation of theretaining member from the cover plate (i.e., due to contact ofcircumferential extending portions 724 with retaining member 540)thereby providing a visible indication when such separation isattempted, and tabs 720 are thereby deformed or damaged. As depicted inFIGS. 11-16, tool 900 may include a handle 960 connected via a shaft 965in an elongated portion 970 to body portion 930. After arms 910 areconnected to nut 11 as described above via sleeve 950 being movedlaterally (around elongated portion 970 and body portion 930) toward nut11 to cause arms 910 to move toward one another, a user may rotatehandle 960 to cause an extension of legs 710 to deform tabs 720 asdescribed above. An extension of legs 710 is depicted in 13-16 with thenut, cover plate, and retaining member omitted for ease of illustration.Handle 960 may be connected to legs 710 via shaft 965 connected to ascrew mechanism 922 to allow the movement of the legs in response to themovement of the handle.

In another example depicted in FIGS. 19-20, a tool 1000 is identical totool 900 except that screw mechanism 922, shaft 965, and handle 960 arereplaced by a pneumatic mechanism 1010 and a resilient member 1015(e.g., a spring). Identical reference numbers are used to identifyidentical parts in tool 900 and tool 1000. Similarly to FIGS. 13-17,FIGS. 19-20 depict arms 910 in a closed position after arms 910 areconnected to nut 11 but with nut 11, retaining member 540 and coverplate 750 omitted for ease of illustration. FIG. 19 depicts tool 1000after the legs are moved toward one another and connected to nut 11 withnut 11 not being depicted as indicated above. After connection of arms910 to nut 11, pneumatic mechanism 1010 may be activated against a biasof resilient member 1015 to drive legs 710 to deform tabs 720 of coverplate 750. FIG. 20 depicts tool 1000 after the hydraulic mechanism hasdriven legs 710 to deform tabs 720 with nut 11, tabs 720 and retainingmember 540 being omitted for clarity. A deactivation of the pneumaticmechanism may cause a retreat of legs 710 toward an end 961 due to abias of resilient member 1015.

In other examples, cover plates (e.g., cover plate 750) could includetabs formed in any shape which inhibits separation of the cover platefrom the retaining member and provides a visual indication when suchseparation is attempted. Further a tool (e.g., tool 900) could includeany number of legs or pressing members configured to deform tabs of acover plate to inhibit separation of the cover plate from acorresponding retaining member and provides a visual indication whensuch separation is attempted and/or has occurred. Moreover, the featuresof the cover plates (e.g., cover plate 750) described, such as tabs(e.g., tabs 720) openings (e.g., opening 711 and opening 712), could belocated in different positions relative to each other such the featurescorrespond to appropriate features of a retaining member to facilitateengagement of the cover plates and retaining members and to inhibitseparation of one from another. Further, the features of the coverplates and retaining members may be located to facilitate engagement ofan installation tool (e.g., tool 900) to one and/or the other.Similarly, features of an installation tool (e.g., tool 900) may belocated to align such features (e.g., legs 710) with appropriatefeatures (e.g., tabs 720, openings 711 and 712) of a cover plate and/orretaining member.

For example, the retaining members described above (e.g., retainingmember 540,) may be formed of stamped sheet metal, and may have athickness in a range between 0.040-0.050 inches, as will be understoodby those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the retaining members couldbe formed of other materials (e.g., powdered metal) and/or formed inother shapes to allow the retaining members to be received in slot 561and to be connected to a keeper (e.g., keeper 540, keeper 1030) via aprojection (e.g., projection 535). Further, the keepers may be formed ormolded of powdered metal, for example. Alternatively, the keepers andretaining members could be formed integral or monolithic relative to oneanother.

Cover plates (e.g., cover plate 750) as described above may be formed ofstainless steel. Further, keeper 530 and/or nut 11 may be fabricatedfrom any one or more of the structural metals, for example, carbon steelor stainless steel. Nut 11 may be fabricated by machining from a billetor plate, by forging or casting and then finished machining, orfabricated by conventional powder metallurgy techniques. In one aspect,when formed by powder metallurgy, the material may be FC 0208, or itsequivalent. Nut 11 may also be surface hardened for example, inductionhardened, carburized, or nitrided, among other surface hardeningmethods; in one aspect, the exposed surfaces on outer surface 522 of nut11 may be hardened, for example, induction hardened.

Although the tools above include drive mechanisms that are manuallyoperated (e.g., screw mechanism 922, shaft 965, and handle 960) orpneumatic based (e.g., pneumatic mechanism 1010), other ways of causinglegs (e.g., legs 710) to contact and deform the tabs (e.g., tabs 720) ofa cover plate or tamper indicating member (e.g., cover plate 750) areenvisioned including hydraulic, mechanical, or other ways of causingmovement of such legs to deform tabs to connect a retaining member to acover or tamper indicating member.

Returning to FIGS. 1-2, preload apparatus 20 includes an attachingmechanism, such as a shaft or rod 40 engageable with spindle 14 by acollar 46, and a press mechanism 44 for providing a compressive load tobearing 16. In addition, aspects of the invention provide means formonitoring the preload on the bearings to, for example, ensure that thedesired preload is provided, in contrast to the unreliable and ofteninaccurate assumed preloading of the prior art.

Rod 40 may be configured to attach to exposed end 13 of shaft 14, forexample, by collar 46, though other attachment means may be used. Pressmechanism 44 may include an adjustment nut 48 which may be threaded torod 40 (e.g., on external threads 41 (FIG. 1)) to mount press mechanism44 to rod 40 and may provide a compressive load to press mechanism 44.Nut 48 may be adapted to facilitate rotation of nut 48, for example, nut48 may include arms 50 and/or a hand wheel 51 that can assist a mechanicwhile manually tightening or untightening nut 48. In one aspect, nut 48may be adapted to be rotated by an automated tool, for example, a drillor stepper motor (not shown). For example, nut 48 may be fashioned witha hex head or threads to engage an automated tool, for example, a torquemotor (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, press mechanism 44 includes a loading adapter210. A compressive load from press mechanism 44 (e.g., from nut 48thereof) is transmitted to bearing 16, and to bearing 18, by loadingadapter 210. Further, loading adapter 210 works in conjunction withretaining nut 11 to provide a load to outboard bearing 16 (e.g., aninner race (not shown) thereof). Retaining nut 11 may have a recess thatexposes the surface of inner race 15 and permits contact by, forexample, loading adapter 210. For example, nut 11 may have a bottomcurve or recessed portion 111 such that a bottom end of nut 11 has asmaller diameter than the remainder thereof. Loading adapter 210 maythus transmit the compressive load from press mechanism 44 (i.e., aroundnut 11) to bearing 16. In an unillustrated example, bearing 16 could beexposed thereby allowing load adapter 210 to be used with a conventionalaxle nut, as shown for example in FIG. 3 of co-owned application, U.S.Pat. No. 7,389,579 issued Jun. 24, 2008 (application Ser. No.11/354,513, filed Feb. 15, 2006), and entitled “Method, Apparatus, AndNut For Preloading A Bearing”. However, when bearing 16 would beconcealed by such a conventional axle nut, retaining nut 11 may be usedinstead thereof according to aspects of the invention.

As depicted in FIGS. 10-11 of indicated co-owned U.S. Pat. No.8,316,530, loading adapter 210 includes a plate 211 and at least twoextensions, fingers, or arms 212, 213 extending from plate 211. In thisaspect of the invention, extensions 212 and 213 are adapted to transmitthe load applied to plate 211, for example, by the compression of nut48, to the bearing 16. Plate 211 typically includes a through hole orbore 214 that is adapted to receive rod 40. Plate 211 may also include araised boss 215 adapted to contact press mechanism 44, for example,adapted to contact piston 54 or bearing 64 (FIG. 3). In one aspect,extensions 212 and 213 may be moveable or deflectable to facilitateassembly of adapter 210 into engagement with bearing 16. For example,extensions 212 and 213 may include any interface with plate 211 ormodification to extensions 212 and 213 that permits extensions 212 and213 to deflect to avoid interference with nut 11. Extensions 212 and 213may be pivotally mounted to plate 211. Plate 211 may include two pairsof oppositely extending lugs or projections 216 having through holes219, and projections 216 may include recesses 218 configured (e.g.,shaped and dimensioned) to receive extensions 212 and 213. Pins 222 maybe provided in holes 219 in projections 216 that engage holes (notshown) in extensions 212 and 213 whereby extensions 212, 213 may rotateabout pins 222.

As further illustrated in the indicated co-owned patent, arms orextensions 212, 213 may include projections 225, 226, respectively, forexample, arcuate projections adapted to engage the arcuate shape ofbearing 16 (e.g., an inner race thereof). Loading adapter 210 may alsoinclude an aligning arm 205 configured (e.g., shaped and dimensioned) toengage shaft slot 5 (FIG. 2) of spindle 14, for example, as depicted inFIGS. 1-2. Aligning arm 205 may be utilized by a user as a referencepoint relative to retaining nut 11.

Press mechanism 44 may be any means that is configured to provide acompressive load (e.g., utilizing nut 48) to outboard bearing 16 (e.g.,an inner race thereof). Further, press mechanism 44 may include a loadsensor or any means for monitoring the compressive load transferred tobearing 16. For example, the indication of the compressive loadtransferred by press mechanism 44 may be provided mechanically, forexample, by compression springs having a known spring constant, forexample, coil springs or disc springs, and a deflection indicator, forexample, a dial indicator, as is known in the art. In this aspect, thedial indicator may be mounted to detect and indicate the compression ofone or more springs positioned in press mechanism 44 due to theadvancement of nut 48, and the compression load calculated from thedeflection indicated and the known spring constant of the springs used.This aspect of the invention may provide a reliable and repeatable meansfor monitoring the preload provided to inner race 15 of outboard bearing16. The load sensor may be wired to an appropriate processor and displayto, for example, provide a digital readout of the compressive load tothe mechanic operating preload device 20. The transmission of signalsfrom the sensor may also be practiced wirelessly, for example, by meansof an RF signal. This aspect of the invention may also provide areliable and repeatable means for monitoring the preload provided tobearing 16.

In one aspect of the invention, preload apparatus 20 may be used toapply and monitor a preload to outboard bearing 16. In a typicalprocedure, a wheel (not shown) may be dismounted from hub assembly 10,for example, which was mounted to studs on hub 10, as exemplified bystud 100 in FIGS. 1-4 of the indicated co-owned patent, U.S. Pat. No.8,316,530. Apparatus 20 may be prepared by assembly and filling cavity56 with a fluid, for example, oil, through an access port (not shown)similar to that occupied by pressure indicator 60. Nut 11 may beloosened or hand tightened prior to mounting apparatus 20, though anylight load on nut 11 will typically be relieved with application oftension to spindle 14 by means of rod 40. Apparatus 20 is then mountedto hub assembly 10 by attaching rod 40 to spindle 14 by means of collar46. As a result, extensions 212, 213 are brought into contact withbearing 16 (e.g., an inner race thereof). Assuming a desired compressivedeflection for bearing 16, for example, 0.003 inches, and acorresponding preload, L, the desired target pressure in cavity 56 canbe calculated as described in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,530.

The loading of bearing 16 may be initiated by advancing, that, istightening, nut 48, against housing 52 via bearing 62, for example, bymeans of arms 50. The buildup of pressure in cavity 56 as indicated bypressure indicator 60 may be monitored by the mechanic. The tighteningof nut 48 continues until the target pressure is achieved. The hubassembly may be rotated at least once to provide proper seating of therollers in bearing 16. For example, nut 48 including arm 50 may berotated three revolutions and such nut handle may then becounter-rotated slightly to arrive at a desired pressure as indicated ona pressure sensor (e.g., gauge 60). Once the target pressure is achievedin cavity 56, and the desired preload is applied to bearing 16, nut 11may be tightened (e.g., by hand) against inner race 15 to maintain thepreload after apparatus 20 is removed. The desired tightening of nut 11may be determined by positioning one or more of markings 510 on nut 11relative to aligning arm 205. Also, the hub assembly may be rotated atleast once to provide proper seating of the rollers in bearing 16. Uponcompletion of the preloading, apparatus 20 may be removed from wheel hubassembly 10 and, keeper 530 and retaining member 540 may be engaged withretaining nut 11 and spindle 14 such that keeper teeth 520 engage teeth511 of nut 11 and engaging member 534 of keeper 530 engage shaft slot 5of spindle 14. As indicated above, nut 11 may be selectively rotatedbased on markings 510 and aligning arm 205 such that keeper teeth 520and engaging teeth 511 engage one another and engaging member 534engages shaft slot 5 in a manner to inhibit movement of spindle 14relative to retaining nut 11. As described above, a cover plate orlocking member (e.g., cover plate 750) may be utilized to allow a visualinspection of any potential tampering of the endplay of the wheel hubassembly. The wheel may then, for example, be remounted. Variations onthis procedure while not deviating from the desired results may beapparent to those of skill in the art.

Another example of a press mechanism usable to provide a compressiveload on a bearing is described in co-owned U.S. application Ser. No.15/071,570, filed Mar. 16, 2016, and titled “Systems and Methods ForPreloading A Bearing And Aligning A Lock Nut”.

The preloading of the bearings as described above is advantageousrelative to endplate adjustment but was rarely recommended prior to theinvention disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,530, due to thedifficulty of creating and verifying a correct preload site. The use ofa load sensor such as a pressure indicator or gauge 60 along with theselective positioning of retaining nut 11 on spindle 14 (e.g., using arm205 and markings 510) provide for a repeatable correct and accuratepreload setting.

Aspects of the invention may also be used to evaluate the preload orendplay on an existing bearing or bearing assembly. For example, anexisting truck hub assembly may be evaluated for its existing preloadand compared to the desired preload, and, if necessary, adjustedaccordingly. First, the truck may be jacked up, if needed. (The hub maybe allowed to cool, if necessary). Apparatus 20 may then be mounted tobearing 16 and spindle 14 (with reference to FIGS. 1-4) and the pressmechanism 44 actuated to introduce tension to spindle 14 and compressionto bearing 16. (The wheel may be removed.) Press mechanism 44 may beregulated to, for example, vary the fluid pressure, to graduallyincrease the preload on bearing 16. While the load is increased, amechanic can repeatedly check the load on or the “tightness” of nut 11.When nut 11 begins to loosen, the existing preload on bearing 16 hasbeen met or exceeded. A comparison of the actual preload indicated bypress mechanism 44, for example, the fluid pressure, with the desiredpreload can then be made. Any adjustments to the preload, either higheror lower, can be made according to the procedures described above and inco-owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,579 and co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 13/719,569 filed on Dec. 19, 2012.

Although aspects of the present invention were described above withrespect to their application to wheel hub assemblies, for example, truckwheel hub assemblies, it is understood that aspects of the presentinvention may be applied to any vehicle, machine, or component having atleast one bearing. Further, although press mechanism 44 is describedabove as applying a compressive load to an inner race of a bearing, suchload could be applied elsewhere to the bearing or wheel assembly 10 suchthat a frictional or other load on a retaining nut is reduced to allowrotation of a retaining nut. Such rotation may allow teeth of the nutand teeth of a keeper to be aligned with each other to allow engagementof a shaft engaging portion of the keeper with a shaft, (e.g., a shaftslot thereof) to inhibit rotation of the nut relative to the shaft.

While several aspects of the present invention have been described anddepicted herein, alternative aspects may be effected by those skilled inthe art to accomplish the same objectives. Accordingly, it is intendedby the appended claims to cover all such alternative aspects as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for use in providing a load on a bearingmounted to a shaft, the method comprising: engaging a keeper with a nutmounted on a shaft to inhibit movement of the keeper relative to thenut; engaging a retaining member connected to the keeper with the nut tohold the keeper engaged with the nut; extending arms from a body portionof a tool and relative to the nut mounted on the shaft such thatcontacting portions of the arms contact a rear side of the nut toconnect the tool to the nut; aligning a first pressing member of aplurality of pressing members of the tool with a first tab of aplurality of tabs of a tamper indicating member when the tamperindicating member is located between the tool and the nut.
 2. The methodof claim 1 further comprising contacting the first pressing member withthe first tab to deform the first tab and connect the tamper indicatingmember to the retaining member to inhibit a separation of the tamperindicating member from the retaining member such that the separation ofthe tamper indicating member from the retaining member provides a visualindication to a user.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the toolcomprises a drive mechanism and further comprising the drive mechanismdriving the first pressing member to contact the first tab to deform thefirst tab and connect the tamper indicating member with the retainingmember to inhibit a separation of the tamper indicating member from theretaining member such that the separation of the tamper indicatingmember from the retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.4. The method of claim 3 wherein the drive mechanism comprises a handleconnected to a nut threaded onto a rod of the body portion and furthercomprising moving the handle to move the nut to drive the first pressingmember to contact the first tab.
 5. The method of claim 3 wherein thedrive mechanism comprises a hydraulic pressing mechanism and furthercomprising activating the hydraulic pressing mechanism to drive thefirst pressing member to contact the first tab.
 6. The method of claim 1further comprising moving a sleeve of the tool axially along the bodyportion to contact the arms to cause the arms to move relative to thenut such that contacting portions of the arms contact the rear side ofthe nut.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the moving the sleevecomprises an end of said sleeve moving axially to contact the arms tocause the arms to move toward each other.
 8. The method of claim 1wherein the contacting portions are curved relative to a remainder ofthe arms to allow the contacting portions to extend behind the nut tocontact the rear side of the nut.
 9. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising biasing the arms away from each other by a plurality ofresilient members to allow the arms to move around the nut.
 10. Themethod of claim 6 wherein the sleeve is biased away from the arms by asleeve resilient member and the moving the sleeve comprises moving thesleeve against a bias of the resilient member.
 11. The method of claim 1further comprising locating aligning pins of the body portion to bereceived in aligning holes of the tamper indicating member to align thefirst pressing member with the first tab.